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05 February 2010

GA Dem Chief: Perdue & GOP Plot To Limit Democracy

Early Friday, Gov. Perdue outlined a proposal that would make the State School Superintendent, Labor, Agriculture and Insurance Commissioners all appointed positions. Currently, the four offices are elected by the people of Georgia [Associated Press (2010-2-5). Ga. governor proposes appointing officers. WTVM-TV. Retrieved on 2010-2-5.].

Jane Kidd, chairman of the state Democratic Party, issued the following statement in response to the Governor's plan:

“This approach continues the Republican ‘top-down’ method of governing. The Republican plan hatched by Perdue, Keen and Heath sounds more like a plot to limit democracy and ignore the Constitution.

“Republicans are now limiting the very positions that our citizens can vote upon. Georgians like their elected public servants to be autonomous and answerable to the people and not be one of the governor's best friends, cronies or political allies.

“Governor Perdue rarely appoints people based upon being ‘most qualified'.

“His proposal goes against every democratic principle that our great nation was founded upon. I reject their argument entirely. It shows contempt for Georgia’s voters.”

Also, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Thurbert Baker issued a statement that read in part, "In a state where the right to vote was fought for and advanced, it is insulting to propose taking that right away from people, especially for critical policy making positions that affect so many lives.

"The Governor’s proposal to take away people’s right to vote for four constitutional offices is simply wrong," Baker's statement said.

It is pretty reasonable to assume that Gov. Perdue may have a difficult time securing the 2/3rds majority to pass his consitutional amendment.